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The T20 World Cup 2024 final will witness South Africa clashing with India at the Kensington Oval on June 29. Both teams have showcased exceptional skill, strategy, and resilience throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an epic encounter. South Africa’s unbeaten run in their T20 World Cup campaign saw them reaching the final after a dominant nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan. Similarly, India had a stellar journey, securing their spot in the final by defeating England by 68 runs.

Ahead of this thrilling showdown, let’s take a look at the Proteas’ predicted XI as they prepare to face the formidable Men in Blue on Saturday.

Predicted XI

Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper)

Quinton de Kock, the hard-hitting batter, is expected to open the innings for South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final. With 2,545 runs in 91 matches, averaging 31.41 and a strike rate of 138.54 in T20Is, the left-hander has the potential to set a solid foundation for his team.

De Kock has led his team from the front this World Cup and is the highest run-scorer for South Africa with 204 runs in eight matches. His capability to score fours and sixes in bulk during the powerplay poses a significant threat to India’s bowling attack.

Reeza Hendricks

Reeza Hendricks is expected to open the innings alongside Quinton de Kock in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final against India. Renowned for his knack of anchoring the innings, Hendricks has amassed 1,938 runs in 67 T20I matches.

Although the right-hander hasn’t had a standout World Cup, scoring 109 runs in 8 matches, his capability to stabilise the innings could provide much-needed solidity to South Africa’s top order.

Aiden Markram (captain)

South Africa captain Aiden Markram’s inclusion in the playing XI is a significant boost to the team’s middle order. Markram, known for his elegant stroke play and ability to accelerate the scoring rate, has notched up 1,237 runs in 47 T20I matches while maintaining a strike rate of 144.

As South Africa prepare to face a formidable Indian side, Markram’s experience and composure with the bat and in the field will be pivotal in navigating the high-pressure moments in this crucial match.

Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen’s inclusion against India adds explosive power to South Africa’s middle order. Renowned for his aggressive batting and ability to score rapidly under pressure, Klaasen has accumulated 860 runs in 51 T20Is with a strike rate of 140.52.

Despite an underwhelming T20 World Cup, Klaasen’s proficiency against both pace and spin makes him a valuable asset against India’s versatile bowling attack.

David Miller

David Miller’s inclusion against India brings a wealth of experience and finishing prowess to the team. Known for his powerful hitting and ability to change the course of a match in the death overs, Miller has been a consistent performer in high-pressure situations.

The South African southpaw has scored 2,416 runs in 124 T20I matches backed by a strike rate of 140.71. Miller’s presence will be crucial in adding depth and firepower to the batting lineup come Saturday.

Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs will bring energy and innovative batting to the South African lineup. Known for his fearless approach and ability to score quickly, Stubbs brings a fresh dynamism to the middle order. His agility in the field and versatility with the bat make him a valuable asset, capable of shifting through the gears in crucial moments.

Stubbs’ knack for scoring runs in the middle has seen him pile up 373 runs in 25 matches. The right-hander is likely to play a key role in injecting impetus and unpredictability to South Africa’s game plan.

Marco Jansen

Bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen brings firepower to SA’s destructive pace attack. Known for his tall stature and ability to extract bounce and movement from the pitch, Jansen has taken 12 wickets in as many T20I matches so far while maintaining an economy rate of 8.01.

Along with his ability to strike with the ball in crucial moments of the match, Jansen’s capability to contribute with the bat has seen him score 62 runs in 12 T20I matches and he will have a big role to play against India come Saturday.

Keshav Maharaj

Known for his exceptional spin bowling and control, Keshav Maharaj brings an element of surprise to South Africa’s bowling attack on the spin-friendly pitches. His ability to contain runs and take key wickets in the middle overs makes him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations. The left-arm orthodox bowler has scalped 33 wickets in 34 T20I matches.

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada’s inclusion to the playing XI against India comes as no surprise considering he’s one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket. Rabada’s pace, precision, and ability to deliver under pressure make him a crucial asset in South Africa’s bowling attack. Known to strike early with the new ball thanks to his accurate lengths in the death overs, Rabada has clinched 70 wickets in 64 T20I matches.

With 12 wickets in eight matches in the ongoing World Cup, Rabada’s experience and fiery temperament will be pivotal in curbing India’s formidable batting lineup and steering South Africa towards victory.

Anrich Nortje

Protea pacer Anrich Nortje is set to lead the South African pace attack in the upcoming encounter. Known for his express pace and ability to generate bounce on any surface, Nortje has been instrumental in guiding his team to the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

The right-arm fast bowler has taken 51 wickets in 41 T20I matches. He has enjoyed a stellar run in the ongoing T20 World Cup, emerging as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets in eight matches. South Africa will rely on his pace and wicket-taking ability to challenge India’s formidable batting lineup.

Tabraiz Shamsi

Tabraiz Shamsi’s inclusion in the playing XI adds more versatility to South Africa’s bowling attack. As a left-arm wrist spinner, Shamsi brings variety and the ability to disrupt the rhythm of India’s strong batting lineup. Known for his deceptive googlies and variations, Shamsi has taken 89 wickets in 69 T20I matches with an economy rate of 7.38.

The Protea spinner enters this upcoming contest following a 3-wicket haul in just 1.5 overs against Afghanistan. His knack for breaking partnerships besides also containing runs will be crucial in curbing India’s total in the final.

India will take on face South Africa on Saturday in the T20 World Cup final in Bridgetown, Barbados. However, the rain is likely to play spoilsport at the Kensington Oval. India pumped England in a rain-hit semi-final in Guyana, while South Africa hammered Afghanistan in the other clash at Trinidad. If the rain does arrive on matchday, the ICC has alotted a reserve day for the final. If the match cannot be completed on Saturday, both teams will take the field once again on Sunday, the reserve day. The capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, witnessed heavy rain on the eve of the match.

It’s past midnight in India and here in Barbados the rain has just after sun set.#Kalki2898AD pic.twitter.com/esypzB5Sg9

— Aman Choudhary (@Aman4Bmr) June 29, 2024

As per Accuweather, showers and possible thunderstorms could result in some disruptions. The rain percentage could rise upto 51 during the match.

The sky will be mostly cloudy with occasional scattered sunlight to moderate showers, and a very slight chance of isolated thunderstorms.

Here’s the hourly weather update of Barbados (Saturday, June 29):

9:00 AM (6:30 PM IST) – 47 % chance of rain

10:00 AM (7:30 PM IST) – 29 % chance of rain

11:00 AM (8:30 PM IST) – 29 % chance of rain

12:00 PM (9:30 PM IST) – 35 % chance of rain

1:00 PM (10:30 PM IST) – 51 % chance of rain

2:00 PM (11:30 PM IST) – 47 % chance of rain

3:00 PM (12:30 AM IST) – 40 % chance of rain

While the Barbados Meteorological Service had suggested that a tropical storm might affect the island on Saturday, the weather forecast suggests that there might be some improvement as we approach match day.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that the match might start at scheduled time as the playing outfield will also be inspected by the umpires before the scheduled toss time.

The second semi-final between India and England was also delayed due to rain. However, a full match was completed despite a few interruptions by the rain in Guyana.

According to ICC’s Playing Conditions for the reserve day, “every effort will be made to complete the match on the scheduled day with any necessary reduction in overs taking place and only if the minimum number of overs necessary to constitute a match cannot be bowled on the scheduled day will the match be completed on the reserve day.”

A minimum over 10 overs must be completed by each side in order to achieve a result. However, if the match begins on the scheduled, but could not be completed on the same due to rain interruptions, it will resume from the same point on the reserve day.

South Africa sent a stern warning to their opponents in the 2024 T20 World Cup, as they bowled out Afghanistan for a total of just 56, before chasing it down in under 10 overs. The Proteas reached their first-ever T20 World Cup Final, and will face either India or England on June 29. But throughout their dominant bowling performance, one moment stood out, showing the sheer might of the South African bowling unit. The delivery – bowled by Kagiso Rabada – went viral on social media.

With Afghanistan off to a shaky start at 20-3, Kagiso Rabada bowled a peach of a delivery to knock over veteran batter Mohammad Nabi for a duck.

The inswinging delivery sent Nabi’s off-stump cartwheeling. Afghanistan were down to 20-4 inside four overs. The ball beat Nabi between his bat and pad, and dismantled the stumps.

Rabada bowled a maiden over, including the two wickets of Nabi and opener Ibrahim Zadran. Rabada’s delivery went viral on X, with fans raving.

“Look at the run up, the action and the delivery. The perfect fast bowler,” tweeted one user.

Rabada, what is this ?

..#SAvsAFG #SAvAFG #T20WoldCup pic.twitter.com/6EjhRdnRwR

— 56 is not Just Number (@HUSNAINMANJ_01) June 27, 2024

Another fan on social media called for Rabada to receive more appreciation.

One comparison touted Rabada as a greater bowler than legendary South African speedstar Dale Steyn at his peak.

One more fan brought up the mouth-watering prospect of India’s Virat Kohli facing Rabada in the 2024 T20 World Cup Final.

With the chances of rain being over 90% for the second semi-final, an abandoned match would see India qualify to the final ahead of England, due to their better group stage finish.

People talk about Bumrah, people talk about Starc, people talk about Cummins. But this beast has always gone under-appreciated despite being too good in every format for years now. https://t.co/W4dPYWMHq7

— Thank You Davey (@jersey_no_46) June 27, 2024

This boy’s purpose was to play cricket. Better than prime Dale Steyn in my books https://t.co/g9kWeJVkfc

— Linda #WOD (@The_DonHimself) June 27, 2024

Rabada to kohli https://t.co/absD9MOn9r

— Oscar (@Oscar_0039) June 27, 2024

Rabada’s two wickets, along with three each from Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi and two more from Anrich Nortje, helped South Africa bundle up the Afghan batting lineup in just 11.5 overs.

South Africa still have a 100% win record in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

South Africa and World Cup semifinals used to be a sporting tragedy of Shakepearean proportions. Not anymore. Shedding the unwanted tag of perennial “chokers” the Proteas marched into their maiden T20 World Cup final unbeaten in Tarouba, Trinidad, comfortably beating tournament giant-slayers Afghanistan. The triumph wiped off years of heartache and the trauma of being labelled under-performers despite having some of international cricket’s biggest names in the line-up. Let’s take a look at the Proteas’ tormented past when they failed to get over the line at key junctures in global events.

1992 ODI World Cup semifinal vs Australia

Not quite a choke but just bad luck. Emerging after 22 years of exile following the end of apartheid in the country, South Agrica had everything going for them, their lightening quick bowlers were excelling, their fielders affected sensational run-outs.

However, in the semifinal, rain came and the equation went from a reasonably gettable 22 off 7 balls, gettable to 22 off just one bacll, thanks to a miscommunication on their revised target.

1996 ODI World Cup quarterfinal vs West Indies

Having won all their group games, Hansie Cronje and his men started firm favourites against West Indies in the quarterfinal. But Brian Lara played an absolute blinder while spinners Roger Harper and Jimmy Adams spun a web to inflict a 19-run defeat on the Proteas.

1999 ODI World Cup semifinal vs Australia

Perhaps the most devastating game in South Africa’s cricketing history. The semifinal at Edgbaston that turned tournament’s best player Lance Klusener into the World Cup’s biggest tragic hero.

Chasing a modest 214, South Africa needed nine off the final over with the final pair at the crease. Klusener smashed the first two balls for fours to level the scores but Allan Donald was run out and the game was tied.

Australia went through to the final as they had won the previous game between the teams in the super sixes stage.

2007 ODI World Cup semifinal vs Australia

South Africa’s decision to bat first backfired dramatically as a revered line-up, including the likes of Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers and Mark Boucher, was shot out for 149. Australia finished the game off with nearly 20 overs to spare

2009 T20 World Cup semifinal vs Pakistan

The Proteas had defeated New Zealand, England, West Indies and India to reach the last four stage high on confidence. But a miserly spell by Shahid Afridi stopped them as they failed to chase a reasonably decent 150.

2011 ODI World Cup quarterfinal vs New Zealand

A line up boasting of AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and JP Duminy failed to chase down a small target of 222 against New Zealand. At 108 for 3 in the 25 overs, South Africa looked set to cruise to victory but then lost next seven wickets for 64 runs.

2013 Champions Trophy semifinal vs England

South Africa were reeling at 8/80 before David Miller and Rory Kleinveldt inflated the total to 175. But Jonathan Trott smashed an unbeaten 82 and England won by seven wickets with more than 12 overs spare.

“I think we did choke in the game. You’ve got to accept that’s what it is. It’s definitely a dark mist that hangs over South African cricket in knockout events,” coach Gary Kirsten had said after the game.

2014 T20 World Cup semifinal vs India

South Africa’s semifinal curse continued as they failed to get over the line in another crunch match. This time against a clinical Indian unit.

2015 ODI World Cup semifinal vs New Zealand

The tide didn’t turn for the Proteas. A golden generation of South Africa cricketers, at their peak, had all bases covered. But were knocked out by New Zealand again in the semifinals stage giving yet another heartbreak.

2022 T20 World Cup Super 12 vs the Netherlands

A solitary win away from the semifinals, South Africa choked, suffering a 13-run shock defeat at the hands of a spirited Netherlands side.

2023 ODI World Cup semifinal vs Australia

The Proteas galloped through the league stage, even inflicting a massive 134-run defeat on Australia. But when it came to the crucial last four game, South Africa meekly surrendered to the men from Down Under in the semifinals, for their fifth semifinal exit in 50-over World Cups.

South Africa vs Afghanistan Live Streaming T20 World Cup 2024 Live Telecast: Afghanistan take on South Africa on Thursday at Port of Spain, Trinidad with a place in the T20 World Cup 2024 up for grabs. While Afghanistan will make their first appearance at the semi-final of a major ICC event, South Africa have played semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in 2009 and 2014, respectively. It will be a chance for both teams to create history as a first-ever final in any Cricket World Cup across both white-ball formats is within touching distance. While South Africa have been unbeaten so far, Afghanistan’s only blip came against the West Indies in the group stage.

Their dream run has been buoyed by wins over New Zealand and Australia, and Afghanistan side will fancy themselves for causing another upset, this time against perfect Proteas.

Notably, Afghanistan and South Africa have only played against each other twice at T20 World Cups. The Proteas recorded comfortable wins on both occasions in 2010 and 2016.

When will the South Africa vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup Semi-Final match be played?

The South Africa vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup Semi-Final match will be played on Thursday, June 27.

Where will the South Africa vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup Semi-Final match be played?

The South Africa vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup Semi-Final match will be played at the Kensington Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

What time will the South Africa vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup Semi-Final match start?

The South Africa vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup Semi-Final match will start at 6 AM IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the South Africa vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup Semi-Final match?

The South Africa vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup Semi-Final will be telecasted on the Star Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the South Africa vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup Semi-Final match?

The South Africa vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup Semi-Final will be streamed on Disney+Hotstar (Free for mobile users).

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

Afghanistan will look keep their heartbeats in check on Thursday as they take on South Africa in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The clash is being deemed as the battle of giant killers and perennial chokers since Afghanistan will be making their first semi-final appearance at a major ICC event after beating the likes of New Zealand and Australia. South Africa, on the other hand, are pretty familiar with such platforms, but often seem to crumble in games of this magnitude.

While fans eagerly wait for this clash, rain might have the final say. As per Accuweather, there is a possibility that rain might arrive at some point.

While the weather forecast suggests that the possibility of rain is around 1 per cent during the start of the match, there is high chance figure could rise up to 44 per cent. Even if there is rain on Thursday, ICC has alotted a reserve day for this match.

But, if no play is possible on both Thursday and Friday, Afghanistan will be knocked out. For the unversed, South Africa will be given a direct passage to the final due to their higher ranking during the Super 8 stage.

The Proteas had topped their groups in both the league stage, as well as the Super 8 stage. Afghanistan, on the other hand, finished second behind West Indies in the league phase, and India in Super 8s.

Afghanistan have been the revelation of this ICC showpiece. They found life and fighting spirit to rise above the ravages of war back in their country, best exemplified by an astounding win over 2021 winners Australia, whom they had never beaten before.

There were multiple heroes — skipper Rashid Khan has been immense throughout, pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq have given early breakthroughs, Gulbadin Naib conjured a miraculous spell against the Aussies while Mohammad Nabi remained perseverant.

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz leads the batting chart with 281 runs, while Farooqi is on top of the bowling list with 16 scalps.

It is a story in itself as how two Afghanistan players have raced past some marquee names to the top of the stats table.

(With PTI Inputs)

Beware! Supporting South Africa is not for the faint-hearted!

The Proteas, who have the unenvious tag of ‘chokers’ in world cricket, have made a happy habit of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the 20-over extravaganza in the Americas — an experience as gripping as watching a House of the Dragon episode with a cliffhanger finish.

Things could have gone horribly wrong for Aiden Markram’s men on multiple occasions. However, they weathered the storm and sailed into the semifinals unbeaten. Whether they go two steps further to win the whole thing remains to be seen. But the fact that South Africa has players it can depend upon to show up in crucial moments will instil confidence in the ranks.

Remember it all too well

South Africa’s tryst with nail-biting finishes in the 2024 T20 World Cup started against the Netherlands. After an easy win against Sri Lanka, at least compared to the other humdingers that were to follow, the Proteas faced their bogey team in multi-national tournaments. They used up six wickets and 113 deliveries while chasing down the Netherlands’ 103 — granted it was not a modest target on the dicey New York track. They were, at one stage, reeling at 12 for four but a calm and collected David Miller, ably supported by Tristan Stubbs’ efforts, guided them home.

“The game of cricket makes it a bit tricky. We are moving forward as a squad. Sometimes the victories are going to be convincing. To squeeze a win out from that (12 for four) situation is good for the team environment,” skipper Markram said after the game.

While it was a narrow four-wicket win against the Men in Orange, their next assignment saw the Proteas pull off a four-run victory over Bangladesh. After deciding to bat, their top-order once again failed to make a mark and put together 113 to defend. However, the bowlers were accurate (none went for more than 27) as the team clinched a win with some luck going its way.

As fate would have it

In the 17th over of Bangladesh’s chase, Mahmudullah was adjudged lbw by the umpire. The batter went for a review which proved that the ball was missing the stumps. Mahmudullah extended his stay at the crease but lost out on the four leg-byes he would have otherwise got for the ball going for a boundary after hitting his pads as the umpire’s original verdict had already deemed the delivery dead. According to the Playing Conditions, despite the umpire’s verdict being overturned, Bangladesh did not get those crucial four runs which ended up being the victory margin for South Africa.

Nonetheless, if there is one team that deserves the rub of the green going its way thanks to a cricket law, it is South Africa. Remember the 1992 World Cup semifinal against England? The heavens opened up when Kepler Wessels’ side needed 22 off 13 and the target was readjusted (according to the laws then) to 21 from one ball and South Africa had to bow out of its first World Cup unceremoniously.

Back to 2024, the Proteas’ next challenge was against a spirited Nepal side which did its best to hunt down the target of 116 and fell agonisingly short. From requiring just 18 runs from as many balls with seven wickets in hand, it was a safe bet to say that Nepal would get across the line. However, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje and Ottneil Baartman delivered what was asked of them and restricted Nepal to 114 for seven — a one-run victory for South Africa.

This was the closest win for the Proteas in this mega event which saw a final-ball drama break Nepal fans’ hearts. With two runs needed off the last delivery, Gulsan Jha ran for a bye and would have thought that he was safe after wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock’s throw hit his back and deflected. However, as luck would have it, the ball went directly to a vigilant Heinrich Klaasen who flicked the ball onto the stumps. Jha, who slowed down after the ball made contact with him, was late in getting to the crease and failed to take the game to a Super Over.

Coming in clutch

Following a streak of pulsating results, the Proteas would have hoped for an easy win against co-host USA in their first Super 8 fixture. However, Andries Gous — a South Africa-born cricketer — took the co-host close to chasing a target of 195 with his unbeaten 47-ball 80. Before Kagiso Rabada’s exceptional two-run penultimate over reeled things back, South Africa fans would have got flashbacks of the 2015 ODI World Cup semifinal knock by Grant Elliott — also a South Africa native — to take New Zealand into the summit clash. It wasn’t to be in Antigua and the Proteas prevailed by 18 runs.

A crackerjack

After five consecutive victories in the tournament, the wagon moved to St. Lucia for South Africa to face the defending champion England. And, surprise, surprise… this was also a crackerjack of a contest. The pendulum swung in the windy Gros Islet as both teams had the chance to win it easily.

Jos Buttler’s men were chasing South Africa’s 163 and were in trouble at 61 for four after 10.2 overs. Then, Liam Livingstone and Harry Brook cut it down to 46 off 24 to make it anybody’s game. The duo punished the next over, laden with full tosses from Baartman, and cut down the target to 25 off 18. The game was in England’s grasp, but Rabada, Marco Jansen and Nortje had other ideas and turned the contest on its head. Markram’s stupendous catch running backwards to dismiss a dangerous Brook off Nortje’s final over was crucial in the side’s seven-run victory.

Aiden Markram of South Africa takes a catch to dismiss Harry Brook of England.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

Do-or-die clash

South Africa’s most important, and latest, victory came in a do-or-die Super 8 clash against the West Indies. The two-time champion tightened the screws on South Africa’s run chase, which at one stage was in cruise control with 46 runs needed off 55 balls with seven wickets in hand. However, Rovman Powell’s men — playing for a last-four spot themselves — made a match of it thanks to a disciplined bowling effort and brought the equation to nine off seven. Then, a marvellous drive through extra-cover from Rabada and a maximum down the ground by the 6’8’’ towering Jansen, who stood tall in the nervy chase with an unbeaten 14-ball 21, turned the tide and sealed South Africa’s semifinal berth.

“I’m sweating. Quite nervy at the end. That’s been the theme of our tournament — us finding a way to win as a team, no matter what the situation is. Our supporters would probably like bigger wins. But things like this keep us in check,” Shamsi said after the three-wicket victory.

Yes, the scenario could have been different for South Africa. Mahmudullah could have been given not out by the umpire, and Jha could have not hesitated and reached the crease to force a tie-breaker. But, take nothing away from the performances its players have put up and the belief that they have shown to win games of cricket so far. A semifinal clash against Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan awaits Markram’s men. Given their remarkable journey so far, the Proteas will fancy themselves to go all the way and break their World Cup drought.

WI vs SA T20 World Cup 2024 LIVE Updates: West Indies final chance in Super 8.© X (Twitter)